In a year like no other, the Fiji 7s men’s side and Fijiana created history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics bringing Fijians together despite the pandemic last month.
After the gloomy experiences during the outbreak of COVID-19 that took the lives of many of our loved ones, the win in Tokyo was a breath of fresh air.
The major sporting event held every four years again brought the nation together as families enjoyed the performance by our local rugby 7s teams.
A report published by The Fiji Times on August 21 quoted Fiji 7s captain Jerry Tuwai emphasising how much the win meant to the men from the Pacific.
“Fiji has been in the grip of COVID-19, with cases continuing to rise and the main island of Viti Levu issued with new curfew hours as the crisis worsened,” Tuwai said.
“Everyone is suffering back in Fiji, but Ithink they will not be thinking about the pandemic now. “But the celebration for the gold medal.’’
Tuwai is the only rugby player in the world with two Olympic gold medals.
Meanwhile Fijiana 7s team captain Rusila Nagasau said it was sheer determination, pride and passion to wear the jersey for the nation that made the girls win against Great Britain in the bronze medal play off.
Nagasau said with the pandemic hitting Fijians hard back home and having sacrificed time with loved ones, this win was extra special.
“Going back home with a bronze is something special, especially when we have not seen our families for the past five months.
“When we came here our aim was to earn something for our people suffering from COVID-19 spreading in Fiji right now.
“Our aim was to put smiles back on their faces.”
